Acoustic diagnostic apparatus and method for controlling acoustic diagnostic apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing acoustic wave diagnostic apparatuses require manual input by users for measurement, which is labor-intensive and dependent on user experience and proficiency.

Innovation Solution

An acoustic wave diagnostic apparatus that automatically performs measurement position designation, recognition of measurement targets, setting of measurement algorithms, and display of results, with optional user-initiated measurement execution instructions, and the ability to handle multiple targets with prioritized order.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual operation of caliper is performed by user, then measurement can be performed, but user labor increases and measurement efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of measurement operationVSAvoidmeasurement efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement apparatus performs measurement operations automatically without requiring manual caliper placement by the user. The system autonomously identifies measurement targets, determines measurement lines, and calculates measurements based on acoustic wave images, enabling self-service measurement that eliminates user labor while maintaining measurement functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual operation system (user physically placing calipers) with an automated image processing system that uses computational algorithms to identify measurement targets and calculate measurements from acoustic wave images, substituting mechanical user actions with electronic automation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If manual caliper input is required, then measurement function is available, but user experience and proficiency affect measurement quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs measurement without requiring user skill or experience. The automated algorithm independently identifies measurement targets, determines appropriate measurement lines, and calculates results, eliminating variability in measurement quality that arises from differences in user proficiency while maintaining consistent measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the measurement apparatus analyzes acoustic wave images, identifies measurement targets, and automatically adjusts measurement parameters to ensure accurate results. This feedback loop ensures measurement precision is maintained regardless of user capability by continuously optimizing the measurement process based on image analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If automated measurement is implemented, then user labor is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated measurement system is divided into distinct functional modules: measurement target recognition unit, measurement line determination unit, and measurement calculation unit. Each module performs a specific function independently, making the complex system manageable and maintainable while achieving automated measurement efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement apparatus is designed to handle multiple measurement scenarios universally. The same automated system can measure different types of targets (tumors, organs, lesions) and perform various measurement operations (length, area, volume) through a single integrated platform, achieving high productivity without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3818944B1Acoustic diagnostic apparatus and method for controlling acoustic diagnostic apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP3818944B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3818944B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3818944B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 includes a display unit 8, an operating unit 15, a measurement position designation reception unit 14 that receives designation of a measurement position on an ultrasound image from a user through the operating unit 15, a measurement target recognition unit 9 that recognizes a measurement target included in the ultrasound image of a recognition range decided based on the received measurement position, a measurement algorithm setting unit 12 that sets a measurement algorithm based on the recognized measurement target, and a measurement unit 10 that measures the measurement target based on the set measurement algorithm and displays a measurement result on the display unit 8.